On Labor Day, we celebrate the achievements of American labor. On this Labor Day, we wish there were more Americans with jobs.The first Labor Day celebration was in New York City on September 5, 1882. The legislature of New York had considered a bill to establish a regular holiday, but Oregon was the first to pass it on February 21, 1887. First proposed as “a street parade to exhibit to the public the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations,” Labor Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1984, when Congress made the first Monday in September a federal holiday.
Today, Labor Day seems entwined with family, friends, food, and festivities. I'll be thinking about all of the people without jobs - whether caused by the Gulf oil spill or the recession. It's a difficult time for many Americans and a good time to think about how we can help. Happy Labor Day!
Photo courtesy of bilerico.com